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will come to a good end. There will be trouble, but not such as courage and caution cannot mend." |
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"But Alinor, we cannot leave Adam and Joanna unprotected. Ireland is not far, but it is not a day's ride, either." |
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"While you and I are together, alive, out of reach, and young enough to breed, the children are safe. There is no profit in harming them when more seeds may be planted and come to fruition. Adam, moreover, can go to Robert of Leicester, who is well able to protect him. Robert has written to ask for him, his oldest squire being knighted and having left. Adam is a little youngeight, but Robert is the right man to understand Adam's wild humors and still teach him to control themand Adam is very willing to go. At first he did not wish to go. He thought you would be more at home, and he wished to be with you." |
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"Yes, but it is not good for either of you. You love him too much, Ian. I have seen you sweat with fear when you knocked him downand even I could see he was not hurt. Robert is right for Adam, and Robert's wife also is right. She is like Isobel, not stupid, but very gentle. I am too strong. It is not good for a boy to have a masterful mother as he grows older." |
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"But Joanna" Ian began hastily. |
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He agreed too much with what Alinor had said about herself and her son to make any remark that would not hurt her. Since she saw it herself, he need never tread on that delicate ground. To his surprise, Alinor suddenly smiled broadly. |
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"I shall send Joanna to Lady Ela." |
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"No!" Ian roared. "She is your daughter, but I love her. I will not have it! I would sooner have her spout prayers and repentance and resignation at me than have her another Ela. She will return fluttering her hands and holding her head and her side and" |
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